Download Float Lighting Tips

Float Lighting Tips
WATTS AND AMPS
The formula for determining how much power you will need is watts/volts = amps.
When calculating, you should go ahead and use 120 volts as your benchmark.
For example, a 330 watt device divided by 120 volts = 2.75 amps of power. Use
this formula when determining how much power you will need for your float.
TOTAL POWER AND WATTAGE REQUIREMENTS
As you design your float to include lights and other electrical components, you
must be sure your wiring can handle the amps. Keep in the mind the size
generator you will need to power everything. The only way to do this is to add up
the amperage.
LIGHTS AND TYPES OF BULBS
Types of Lights







Household incandescent bulbs
Floods and spot lights
Fluorescent lights (tube fluorescent lights are sensitive to vibrations in the
road and bulb fluorescent lights do not work well if there is moisture of any
type, so these lights are not recommended)
Mini Christmas lights (0.5 watts)
C-7 Christmas lights (7 watts)
C-9 Christmas lights (9 watts)
Rope lights (9 watts)
Types of Bulbs



Clear – gives more light
Frosted – to diffuse light, the frosted bulbs are the better choice
Color bulbs
WAYS TO USE LIGHTS
• Direct light on an object or person • For dramatic lighting, shine upward or
downward on object or person • Behind an opaque screen • Behind cut outs of
shapes or words (foam core or plastic core are good materials to work with) •
Outline your float with small Christmas lights, either chasing lights or solid burn
lights • Use plastic tablecloths as a color filter, or use a white plastic tablecloth
with colored lights behind it.
-- continued --
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
A set of 50 mini Christmas lights pulls about 0.2 amps (24 watts), so on a 20
amp/2400 watt generator, you can use 5,000 lights. A set of 25 C-7 Christmas
lights pulls about 1 amp (120 watts), so on a 20 amp/2400 watt generator, you
can use about 250 lights.
** Lights pull more amperage when they initially light up so, for example, even
though one string of C-7 lights is only 120W, or 1 amp, they will require more
power when they are initially turned on. Therefore, ALWAYS get a generator that
puts out more amperage then you really need.
GENERATORS
Some generators are rated by wattage output and others by voltage, so pay
careful attention when renting or purchasing a generator. If you are using a lot of
amps, consider using two generators. Most generators have two outlets; so if you
are using an 8,000 volt generator, each outlet would carry 4,000 volts, or 33.3
amps. You can then use a plug-in splitter on each outlet, to give you four outlets
carrying 2,000 volts, or 16.6 amps each. This will allow using 14 to 12 gauge
extension cords to get the power where you need it, giving you four circuits.
POWER INVERTERS
You may also be able to use an inverter pack to power regular lights from a car
battery. Power inverters are 140 watts and carry 300 mini Christmas lights.
PUT IT TOGETHER
When planning for lighting, be sure to first diagram your float showing where all
the lights and electrical components (sound systems) will be. Label the lights and
sound equipment with the amount of wattage each requires. Label each
generator by each circuit and by the total capacity. Next, group the lighting. For
example, group all lighting for the perimeter of the float. When grouping lights, be
aware of the total wattage for each group. Be sure no group goes over 15 amps,
to ensure each group will use its own circuit on the generator.
BE SAFE
Do not overload circuits. Always have a fire extinguisher on the float, within easy
reach of the tow vehicle driver. In the rain or snow, be careful to avoid
electrocution. Ensure all wiring is taped down or out of the way of float riders so
people do not trip or hurt themselves